To think too many people are happy to live off benefits forever?

[BritishQueue]

Okay, I know this is a touchy subject here on MN, but I need to ask, AIBU to think that too many people are just choosing to stay on universal credit rather than work?

Obviously, I’m not talking about people who genuinely can’t work - disabilities, carers, etc (even though a lot of those who claim to be unfit for work are perfectly capable, and I’ve seen “carers” for people who don’t actually need any care…). But I know multiple people who are completely able-bodied and yet have no intention of ever getting a job. They say things like “it’s not worth it” or “I’d be worse off working,” and honestly, I don’t get it. I work full-time, pay tax, and yet I see people getting rent paid, extra handouts, and still managing holidays and luxuries I can’t afford. Not to mention that a lot of women think the government should subsidise their SAHM lifestyle.

I just don’t understand how it’s fair? Surely benefits should be a safety net, not a lifestyle choice? AIBU?

I can't quite work that out. 27% of 12% is that about 3% of young people are saying they are too sick to work. Or is it 27% of 58% of 12% so more 1.8%

I mean that doesn't sound wildy too many people to be to sick to work, but the rumours seems to be it's a huge increase.

What are all the others doing? Are they carers. I can work out what the gap between those 59% unavailable for work but only 27% ill are doing. I assume the others are looking for work with no success?

Oecd website has a lot of statistics, in terms of benefits Uk is average compared to other oecd/eu countires, also a bit better than average in terms of workforce participation with 82%. It is curious that there is no clear dependency between amount of benefits and workforce participation e.g. Mexico has low benefits but also low workforce participation. I guess in most of the countries about quarter of working age people don't work due to various reasons, and they can be supported by government via higher taxes or by family, so I think even if uk reduces benefits it won't necessarily push a lot of people to work.
www.oecd.org/en/data/indicators/social-benefits-to-households.html?oecdcontrol-fda550f8da-var6=INCASH

Working, unlike many.

Don’t put words in my mouth, especially if you’re going to get it wrong. Oh, and it’s possible to agree with Labour and still be right-wing (especially these days, unfortunately).

Your job is not one of the 70% of jobs likely to be replaced by automation in the next 15 years is it? Because if it is you're going to find yourself on the other side of the coin soon.

@ruethewhirl , I see so you regard this Labour government as not sufficiently left wing which leads me to believe that you are of a hard left disposition. I don’t usually agree with anything that comes from the extremes of politics regardless of which barmy periphery it comes from.

Changes do need to be made, and they're not going to be easy, but I believe Labour are aiming their cuts at the wrong people.

They're trying to push more people into work at a time when the job market is on its knees. People with degrees and experience are finding it hard to find work, so those coming out of long-term sickness or going back into the workforce after a long break, raising children, stand little to no chance.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/feb/10/britons-hunting-for-a-job-uk-jobseekers-pay

We need growth, not cuts. I don't know how we can encourage more growth but without it we're fucked. We also need more migration.

Doesn't work like that anymore. You have to prove the jobs you've applied for. Jobcentre follow up if you've been to interviews. They will sanction you if you can't show you've spent x amount of time looking for work (think it's 30 or 35 hours a week).
Either it was a while ago you were going to the Jobcentre or you had a work coach who didn't care (and probably lost their job).

Wouldn't a trade deal with the EU bring more growth? Rejoin the customs union? Labour are banging on about growth but aren't taking any action. It's very frustrating to see..

@AngelicKatyyou’re right. I might be able to get help with childcare but it’s irrelevant as there are no places. Literally not one child minder picks up from my DS’s school post Covid. They don’t do after school club either, it closed down. And before anyone says change school - good luck with that, anywhere that is not an utter bear pit and can meet his needs (SEN) is oversubscribed or miles away. So, I can only work hours that allow me to do my own school run most days. I try, I really do but between the kids needs and the practical realities I just can’t earn more at the moment.

😂😂😂

@Mrsp2b33you won’t get free prescriptions or subsidised school trips or meals on £1100 a month. You have to be on very low wages to qualify for this sort of help.

So the jobs market is fucked... its not if you read the link you posted, it depends if you are willing to do anything or not.

But your answer is more migration... this is why we are in such a mess with public services and housing, too many people here, not working, so we pay them to sit on their arses and then get people from the developing world to come here to do the jobs they should be doing.

No this isn't a "right wing" view, the Labour party has its roots in unions ie people who work!
The Welfare state was never set up to be an option.

I don't think you read the same article as me. In the one I linked, there is a guy with a master's in a STEM subject working in a bar because he cannot find even a band 2 job in his chosen profession. 4 of his colleagues have a Master's.

There was a lady with hospitality experience and a degree who could not get a job at Subway.

In what way is that not being willing to work in any job?

So is there another benefit in Denmark once it runs out?

No it's not reasonable. I work with that demographic and too many are saying they can't leave the house, are too anxious, can't get a bus etc. They spend their lives online and as I said before won't study and often won't engage with anything to move them forward. Some obviously do have serious issues but plenty are just mooching along with no plans or real diagnosis other than general anxiety.

I also work with a demographic of people who cannot work due to anxiety as @RaininSummer has said. They have many fears, live very reclusive lives and just trying to function through the day is difficult, nevermind fulfilling a job role. They may also have generations of their family who have never been employed.

So do you have an opinion as to the solution?
If you don't mind, it would be interesting to know what sector you work in eg social/ youth work, education, health etc.

I’m not purposely picking an argument but why don’t you just ignore the thread and read ones you’re interested in? Rhetorical question.

PS. To be fair, you’re not the only one who has said this.

Pretty much yes! I just googled: 2.5 million Danish residents are members and there are 3 million employed.

When the payments end they can apply for other benefits:

• if they've worked for 40 years they can get a special early retirement pension. They quite often do this before the benefit runs out.
• if they're too sick to work more than 20 hours in their most recent job and they are over a certain age they may be entitled to a senior pension (I've had ONE of these!). Again they quite often do this before the 2 years is up
• if they are 5 years or less from the self paid early retirement then the Council HAS to find a senior job for them (I've never tried this!)
• anyone else can apply for another type of benefit, but you aren't entitled if you own a house or have savings over a certain amount.
• I try to encourage them from about the 18 month mark to think about further/higher education. Most are entitled to a student grant - yes we still have those! It's not much but it's better than nothing. If you're a single parent it's a very good option as you get a double grant.

Most people get a job within 3 months.

She means that she didn't choose to be a single mother. She was in a relationship and he went off with someone else, leaving her to bring up the children on her own. She said that in her post.

Obviously more single mothers will claim benefits than married mums as, even if they work full time, their household income will be less than if both parents are working.

At the time of qualifying I was, then it lasts for the entire school life of that child (primary or secondary).

You do! FSM lasts the child's primary or secondary school life depending on when you qualify.

I didn't make the rules but I do know them.

I am trying to help support my lifelong friend deal with UC currently and you are absolutely spot on.
It's absolute hell.
He's worked solidly for 45 years but after a change of job, found himself with irregular hours that weren't disclosed at interview.
He put in a claim to UC, has attended numerous meetings at the Job center and via phone.
In a 6 month period, he has received 3 payments and a letter demanding he repay an over payment of almost £400 that he has never received.
Yesterday, we attended yet another appointment at the job center at their request. This time they are saying the payments haven't been made because his employer hasn't submitted the "correct information".
There's much more I could add but, I have found the whole process exhausting, frustrating and demoralizing.